Standard Life Appoints Group Chief Executive

Standard Life has appointed David Nish as chief executive with effect from 1 January 2010. He will succeed Sir Sandy Crombie.

David joined Standard Life in November 2006 as finance director and director. Prior to this, he held senior roles at Scottish Power including finance director and executive director, Infrastructure Division. Previously, he was a partner at Price Waterhouse.

Gerry Grimstone, chairman of the company, led the search, establishing an appointments committee consisting of the company’s non-executive directors.

Gerry Grimstone, chairman of Standard Life, said: I am delighted to announce that David Nish will succeed Sir Sandy as Group Chief Executive of our business. David has a proven track record in our business, and has played a pivotal role in the delivery of our strategy since he joined the company. His unrivalled understanding of our business, his leadership capabilities and strategic vision make him the ideal candidate to lead Standard Life into the next phase of its development.

David Nish, chief executive designate, said: I am immensely proud of what our organisation has achieved over the past few years and I am excited to be given the opportunity to lead Standard Life. We have built a strong, resilient and successful business. In these challenging markets, it is vital that we maintain the momentum we have built and I am very much looking forward to taking over from Sir Sandy to lead the company to what I hope will be even greater future success.